Stade Francais star Peniasi Dakuwaqa is one of the five debutants in the Flying Fijians side that will take on Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena on Saturday.
Dakuwaqa, known for his blistering pace and dubbed “the Flash,” has scored six tries in the French Top 14 competition this season. He will team up with Toulon speedster Jiuta Wainiqolo on the wings.
The other four debutants are Fijian Drua workhorse Kitione Salawa and Inia Tabuavou (Racing 92) at inside center. Fijian Drua duo Elia Canakaivata and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula are likely to come off the bench.
The Fijian Drua players dominate the match squad with 12 of them. Waisea Nayacalevu retains his spot as captain, while Vilimoni Botitu assumes the playmaker role.
Head coach Mick Bryne stated earlier in the week that their one-week training was sufficient to prepare the side to face Georgia.
“The arrival of the Europe-based players gave us a full week of preparation, so we definitely got a lot more work done and more clarity into how we want to play,” Bryne said.
Yesterday, the Fijian players attended the junior rugby festival in Batumi and met with young local budding players.
The Flying Fijians last faced Georgia in last year’s Rugby World Cup in Stade de Bordeaux, with Fiji winning 17-12. The two sides have met six times, with Fiji winning four, Georgia once, and one draw.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 4 am (Fiji time) and will be broadcast live on Sky Pacific.
Game Day team list:
1. Eroni Mawi
2. Tevita Ikanivere
3. Mesake Doge
4. Isoa Nasilasila
5. Temo Mayanavanua
6. Lekima Tagitagivalu
7. Kitione Salawa
8. Viliame Mata
9. Frank Lomani
10. Vilimoni Botitu
11. Peniasi Dakuwaqa
12. Inia Tabuavou
13. Waisea Nayacalevu (C)
14. Jiuta Wainiqolo
15. Ilaisa Droasese
Impact:
16. Zuriel Togiatama
17. Haereiti Hetet
18. Peni Ravai
19. Albert Tuisue
20. Ratu Meli Derenalagi
21. Elia Canakaivata
22. Simione Kuruvoli
23. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj